Covert Channel

Definitions

1. A hidden communication path that violates intended security policy by transferring information through indirect or unauthorized means, such as timing, resource use, or non-obvious protocol fields. Covert channels are dangerous because they can exfiltrate data while avoiding expected monitoring paths.

   In plain English: A hidden communication method used to pass information where it is not supposed to go.

   Example: "The red team built a covert channel using DNS request timing rather than obvious payload content."

Related Terms

• Domain Fronting
• Electromagnetic Emanation
• Encoded Payload
• Fault Injection
• Fileless Malware
• Living off the Land
• Acoustic Cryptanalysis
• Cache Timing Attack
• Emulation Detection
• Polymorphic Malware